11) Headlining and Sub-Headlining Effective Content Pieces
Article titles (headlines), as well as subheadlines, are one of the first things a reader reads.
In this discussion, we will understand effective strategies to write headline titles as well as subheadlines to these titles.
Some general tips include:
-
Avoid long article titles: try to fit the title within 62 characters or limit it to 5-7 words.
-
Consider using “What”, “Why”, “How”, or “When” as these are catchy and add to curiosity.
-
Use Numbers - numbers ensure the availability of organized information, and are generally liked: using Odd Numbers in the title has helped in terms of SEO. Remember to write the number itself (5 instead of five).
-
To add specificity, consider using “the” before the number.
-
Provide an answer to why people should click and read your content: words like “tips”, “strategies”, “facts”, “reasons” all help provide a rationale.
-
Include the word “Guide” where applicable.
-
Consider using emotional adjectives that describe the topic. For example, “essential”, “free” etc.
-
Consider outlining Negative aspects - spin this to meet mental health content goals. For example, The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression.
-
Use common words to ensure people understand and grasp the topic while finding the title simple
-
Consider using a “Things I Wish I Had Known” approach to content if applicable.
How to test your headline as being unique:
Copy and paste your headline with quotation marks into the Google search bar. (e.g. “The 5 Essential Things You Did Not Know About Depression”) - if the results come back as “no results found”, your headline is unique!
Helpful Resource: Useful Title Capitalization Tool
Note: The bottom line to success in terms of marketing and content is to ensure that your content body reflects the great headline/title. It might be worth considering to write final titles after the content body.
Subheadlines: Effective subheadlines summarize the content body while also linking it to the title.
Activity
Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
Reply to at least one other student’s response and share your feedback with them
(Edited by @SoulfullyAButterfly: 12/2/2021 to clarify "subheadline" instead of subheading)
-
This post is brought to you by the Content Development and Marketing Program, find out more information about the program here
Title: 6 Tips to Chase Away the Holiday Blues
Subheadline: Discover ways to cope with holiday loneliness!
@bubblingSea6361 loved it! :)
How To Feel Less Lonely in The Holidays.
Here's all you need to know about loneliness and how to cope with it.
@KateDoskocilova
I really like your headline but feel your subheading could be better. You may also want to look at the capitalization you used.
Using the knowledge attained through this discussion, propose a new article title as well as a subheadline for this published article at 7 Cups.
Title: Things I Wish I Did During Holiday Season To STOP Loneliness
Subheadline: 6 exciting things people had shared with us to cope with loneliness!
@29amy
This is certainly something I would click on to read further. Good job!
"Why COVID Shouldn’t Make You Say Bah Humbug"
6 Tips for Combatting Loneliness This Year
@Bre4Me Clever, catchy title and very descriptive subheader!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
Title: 5 Coping Tools to Make Financial Stress Less Stressful
Subtitle: Quick And Easy Steps To Reduce Financial Stress
Using the Knowledge attained through this discussion,
propose a new article title as well as a Subheadline for this published article at 7 cups.
Headline:How do you deal with sadness in the shadow of loneliness?
Subtitle:
1- Acceptance.
2-Distraction with other things that may be useful.
3- Trying to control thoughts.
4- Reading and meditation.
5- Not to deny sadness.
@SoulfullyAButterfly This is a really good exercise - thank you Soul. Here are my ideas below:
Six ways to Positively Adapt to Isolation in COVID Times.
Subheadings:
1. The Reasons behind loneliness.
2. Importance of Gratitude
3. Social communication and How to reach out
4. How to give back to the community
5: Be Creative! Engage in hobbies and try something new!
6: Coping with Bereavement through Nostalgia
@GoldenRuleJG
I like the different subheadings, it feels like you're covering all bases of the issue.
@Womerz Thank you!
@GoldenRuleJG I like how you change the title to be more interactive and engaged with the readers😊
@GoldenRuleJG
It's nice that you wrote so many alternatives 👍
@SoulfullyAButterfly Sorry for to add:
the article I changed the headings and subheadings for was this one : Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays Coping with Loneliness During the Holidays
Title - Ways to keep the magic this Christmas!
Subheading- Covid friendly ideas to keep the spirit alive this holiday period!